The new classical composer

[TFritz13]

Who do we think are the new classical composer of the day? I would have to put a vote in for John Williams and Hans Zimmer. What are yout thoughts? <P>Second question. <P>Is writing musical scores today for movies what writing for masses was back in the time a beethoven and mozart? <P>Does that make sense?

[Nicole Marie]

Well I don't know if I would say they are the only composers of today. We've seen Cage and Glass make excellent leaps in composition. There are many others out there, not just film composers. <P>And as for the film music. I pains me to say, that yes these composers could be in the same boat as a Beethoven and Mozart, for only ONE REASON....they too need to make money.<P>What I mean is this, Bach made a living with music by writing for the church, Mozart made a living by writing for the court, and so on. Film composers of today found a living by writing music for films. <P>I will not compare their film music to the works of Beethoven and the others, it's not even in the same ball park. But the composers can be related since both needed to make a living. So look at the career move not the music. <BR>

[EJA_2]

Well, we have BobtheComposer here on the board. I haven't heard his work, so I'd have to concur with your John Williams vote. Also, one of my personal favorites is Shaun Davey. Joaquin Rodrigo and Villa Lobos are, both late great composers, in my opinion. There are some others who do not come to mind right now, including some female composers. Yes, like Victoria Bond. <P> — EJA

[barfle]

Again, I brag about being a long-time season ticket holder to the Pacific Symphony out here in the wild west. Our music Director, Carl St. Clair, has a real affection for modern music, and we get to hear at least two pieces every year.<P>They also record many of these pieces, so I get to add them to my collection! A large, no make that monumental, work by Elliot Goldenthat titled "Fire Water Paper: A Vietnam Oratorio" is a piece that begs to be heard by a wider audience. My dear Nicole, you may consider this a request to play the piece. It's a little over an hour long, but I think it's worth every second of it.<P>I also like many of the works of Frank Tichelli, who was the Composer-in-Residence of the PSO for several years.<P>John Corigliano gets a lot of live play around the country, but I only know of one of his works that has been recorded, his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra."<P>Lukas Foss has a very moving piece, the "Elegy for Anne Franck." My recording of it is narrated by his daughter.<P>To the best of my knowledge, none of these composers had written directly for film. <BR>(I just noticed in another forum that Corigliano wrote the score to "The Red Violin." I don't get to see enough movies!)<BR>Don't take that to mean that I think there's anything wrong with composing for film! It makes the composer eat well, and entertains a lot more people than straight symphonic works.<P>An aside to the on-air talent at Beethoven.com, I know this station isn't as "stodgy" as many classical music stations can be, so you have the courage to play beyond Baroque. Give some of these pieces a shot at fame and fortune!<p>[This message has been edited by barfle (edited 07-03-2001).]

[Jeff Dutton]

I can't resist putting in a plug for Robert W. Smith. He has published over 300 pieces for band and symphonic band. His most notable work is called "The Divine Comedy". It is based on the trilogy by Dante. Unfortunately, Mr. Smith's work hasn't been widely recorded yet, but his music is often featured in concerts by top bands.<P>Jeff